Pirates Catcher Reveals Baby Gender for Starter Ashcraft

Braxton Ashcraft's catcher Joey Bart used a pink arm sleeve to announce the couple's first child will be a girl.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold shades of pink, blue, and black, depicting the celebratory moment when Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart revealed the gender of pitcher Braxton Ashcraft's first child with his wife Cassidy.A creative, cubist-inspired illustration captures the joyful energy of the Pirates' gender reveal celebration for pitcher Braxton Ashcraft and his wife.West Today

Before his start against the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft had exciting news to share with his teammates and fans - he and his wife Cassidy are having a baby girl. Ashcraft enlisted the help of his catcher Joey Bart, who wore a pink arm sleeve during warmups to reveal the gender of the Ashcrafts' first child.

Why it matters

Gender reveal celebrations have become a popular tradition for expecting parents to share their exciting news with loved ones. By incorporating his catcher and the Pirates' social media, Ashcraft found a creative way to include his team and fanbase in this special moment.

The details

As Ashcraft took the mound to begin his start, Bart made sure everyone saw his pink arm sleeve, signaling to the Ashcrafts' family and friends that they are having a baby girl. The Pirates shared the touching moment on social media, showing Ashcraft's family celebrating with pink and blue cotton candy.

  • Braxton Ashcraft and his wife Cassidy married on December 6, 2025.
  • The gender reveal took place before Ashcraft's start on April 16, 2026.

The players

Braxton Ashcraft

A 26-year-old starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who is expecting his first child with his wife Cassidy.

Joey Bart

The catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who helped reveal the gender of Ashcraft's baby by wearing a pink arm sleeve during warmups.

Cassidy Ashcraft

Braxton Ashcraft's wife, who is expecting the couple's first child.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations to the Ashcraft family! Look how excited, Brownie! How cool is that moment?”

— Hannah Mears, Sideline reporter

“Aw, congrats”

— Greg Brown, Play-by-play broadcaster

What’s next

The Ashcrafts will continue to prepare for the arrival of their baby girl in the coming months.

The takeaway

This heartwarming gender reveal celebration showcases the close-knit community of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and their commitment to supporting their players both on and off the field.